Our Medical Advisers

In October 2015, we appointed Prof Julia Newton and Dr Gregor Purdie to the shared role of our Medical Adviser.

They took over from Dr Alastair Miller, who had been Action for M.E.’s Medical Adviser since 2010.

Prof Newton, Clinical Professor of Ageing and Medicine and Dean of Clinical Medicine at Newcastle University, has published a considerable body of research relating to M.E. and other chronic diseases associated with fatigue. Dr Purdie, who has been working with people affected by M.E. since he was a junior doctor in 1979, was Clinical Lead for M.E. for NHS Dumfries and Galloway until he retired last year, and was already a Trustee of Action for M.E.

Both have been working closely with us for a number of years, contributing to the charity’s ongoing programme of UK-wide events and resources for patients and professionals.

Prof Newton’s 2013-2015 study into muscle dysfunction and M.E. was funded by Action for M.E., while Dr Purdie worked with the charity on a series of educational webinars for GPs who, according to UK-wide research find M.E. one of the most challenging conditions to diagnose and refer.

Sonya Chowdhury, Chief Executive, Action for M.E., says:

“Bringing together considerable research experience and significant clinical expertise, Prof Newton and Dr Purdie are something of a dream team for us. I know their extensive knowledge, shared with Action for M.E. staff and Trustees, and in turn with those whom we support, will help improve the lives of those affected by this terrible condition.”

Prof Julia Newton

Prof Newton is a clinical academic, working in the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust whilst also leading one of the largest research groups in the UK – the Newcastle Fatigue Research Centre. She is a member of the UK CFS/M.E. Research Collaborative (CMRC) Board, and has research projects funded by the Medical Research Council, the ME Association, ME Research UK, Arthritis Research UK, and of course Action for M.E.

Prof Newton says:

“I am absolutely thrilled to have been invited to be a Medical Adviser for Action for M.E. I have met Gregor on a number of occasions and am excited about the opportunity to work with him. Together I think we can ensure that Action for M.E. continues to provide the support it does so well for people with M.E. and their families.”

Dr Gregor Purdie

Dr Purdie became interested in M.E. as a junior doctor and has since co-authored the Scottish Good Practice Statement on M.E./CFS. He now has a specific remit from the Dumfries and Galloway Health Board to advise on service provision and education and training. Dr Purdie says:

"I’ve met Prof Julia Newton at conferences and read her work. I’m especially pleased to be working with her now as it will bring together research and specialist practice together with my background in primary care. This will foster the development of seamless services for people with M.E.”